Aachen Carnival

When: 19 Jan 2008 (various dates)

Where: Aachen

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Various

Aachen takes its carnival so seriously that it has been dubbed the "fifth season". A series of parties, concerts and costumed balls precedes the main events - the Children's Costume Carnival and the Rosenmontagzug Parade (3 and 4 February).

Spandau Spring Festival

When: Mar 2008 (annual)

Where: Brauhaus Spandau

Cost: Free

The Spandau Spring Festival has been drawing people up to this pleasant suburb in the far western part of Berlin since 1996. If you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained, look no further than its funfair with roller coasters, wild water rides, spooky ghost trains and go-karts. If you're looking to keep the overgrown kids entertained, the festival boasts the best in German beer - a perfect accompaniment to the evening fireworks display.

Berlin Christopher Street Day

When: Jun 2008 (annual)

Where: Berlin

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: From 9.30am

The Spandau Spring Festival has been drawing people up to this pleasant suburb in the far western part of Berlin since 1996. If you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained, look no further than its funfair with roller coasters, wild water rides, spooky ghost trains and go-karts. If you're looking to keep the overgrown kids entertained, the festival boasts the best in German beer - a perfect accompaniment to the evening fireworks display.

Viva AfroBrasil Festival

When: Jul 2008 (annual)

Where: Schloßplatz

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: All Day

The Viva AfroBrasil Festival brings samba beats to Stuttgart's Schloßplatz. Europe's biggest and longest-running Latino festival offers a non-stop programme of music, dance and celebration, as top salsa, reggae, funk and samba acts take to the open-air stage.

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